[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 3 (Thursday, January 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E49]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE OF BOB WATERSTON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 8, 2009

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my colleagues from 
California Mr. Radanovich and Mr. Nunes to pay tribute to the 
distinguished public service of Bob Waterston. After 8 years with the 
Fresno Board of Supervisors, including two as Chairman and Vice-
Chairman, Mr. Waterston is retiring as Supervisor for the 5th District 
in Fresno County, California. We thank him for his hard work on behalf 
of the county.
  Bob is a lifelong Fresno native. Prior to embarking on his 
distinguished career with Fresno County, Bob was a twenty-nine year 
veteran of the Fresno Fire Department serving 4 years as a firefighter, 
8 years as a driver and 17 years as a fire captain. He also served on 
the Clovis City Council as an elected member and then as a Mayor Pro 
Tem. Bob has also been a State certified paramedic for 24 years. His 
professional career includes Board Certified Advanced Cardiac Life 
Support and Basic Life Support Affiliate Faculty for the American Heart 
Association. Most recently he became a California State licensed 
Contractor specializing in swimming pool construction and has 
maintained his commitment to the community as a County Supervisor all 
while managing his home business.
  Bob Waterston's involvement in his community has been far-reaching, 
ranging from Chairman of the America Health Walk in 1998 to the 
Fandango Advisory Board Committee in 1999 and as Community Advisor for 
the Junior League of Fresno in 2000 and 2001. Bob served on Community 
Services for the California League of Cities, and he was an Executive 
Board Member of the Sequoia Council Boy Scouts of America in 2004. Bob 
has also given back to his fellow firefighters by serving as a past 
Chairperson for the CPR Committee with the Central Valley Fire 
Agencies, and he is a founder of the annual ``Firefighters Creating 
Memories'' program at the Fresno District Fair.
  Throughout his distinguished career, Bob Waterston has served on 
numerous boards and has given back to his community. He served on the 
board of directors of the Fresno Business Council, the Economic 
Development Corporation of Fresno County and the Fresno Regional 
Foundation. He is also a member of the ``Make a Wish'' Foundation, the 
American Heart Association Board of Directors, and the Public Education 
Committee for the Fresno City Fire Department. He is also a past board 
member for the Fresno Firefighters Association Benefit Fund and the 
South San Joaquin Division Committee on California League of Cities.
  Bob's accomplishments were recognized as early 1989, when he was 
awarded the first Fresno Fire Department Employee of the quarter. He 
was also honored by Governor George Deukmejian for ``Recognition in 
Excelling in the Performance of Duty.'' In 1996 Bob was honored by the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars as Peace Officer of the Year, and he was 
honored by Exceptional Parents Unlimited for his efforts to ``Silence 
the Violence.''
  I commend Bob for dedicating his life to his family and his 
community. His accomplishments have touched the lives of many, and his 
impact on our community will be long remembered. I extend my best 
wishes for his continued health, happiness, and service. Bob Waterston 
is a distinguished member of the community, and it is with great 
pleasure that I recognize him today.

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